Perrysburg man indicted on multiple child rape charges

PORT CLINTON - A Perrysburg man is facing multiple child rape charges after being secretly indicted by an Ottawa County grand jury.

Earl H. Weidner II, 39, was arraigned Wednesday on two counts of rape, both with specifications of a victim under the age of 10, which means the felonies could carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Weidner is accused of engaging in sexual conduct with two minors over the past four years.

According to a news release from the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, Weidner was secretly indicted due to threats of harm to the victims and their families if they ever told, as well as law enforcement’s past experience with Weidner.

“The victims just recently disclosed the abuse to family members, who in turn contacted authorities,” said Mark Mulligan, county prosecutor. “The young victims, who described similar events which took place over three years apart, indicated that the abuse took place at a relative’s home in Ottawa County.”

Weidner arrived at the sheriff’s office Monday to speak with investigators and was subsequently arrested. He is being held at the Ottawa County Detention Facility on $800,000 bond.

Weidner may face additional charges, according to the sheriff’s office, as other victims have come forward in the ongoing investigation, with one stating they would disclose the abuse after a certainty that Weidner is behind bars.

The sheriff’s office advised anyone associated with or who had a past relationship with Weidner who is concerned for their children should contact the sheriff’s office at 419-734-4404 or the Lake Township Police Department at 419-666-5500.

“Our investigation through the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office is coordinated with a similar ongoing investigation in Wood County,” Mulligan said.

The sheriff’s office was assisted with the investigation by the Lake Township Police Department, Ottawa County Children’s Services and Wood County Children’s Services.

Weidner is scheduled to appear in court again for a pretrial hearing on Sept. 12, with a jury trial scheduled for Nov. 1 in Ottawa County Common Pleas Court.